PNGRU keeps squad

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) says the national men’s train-on squad will remain unchanged for this year’s Oceania Sevens.
It said in a statement that the squad from last year would remain and compete in this year’s Satellite and National Provincial Championship (NPC) Sevens tournaments.
These tournaments are pathways for selection into the national men’s sevens team.
“To ensure consistency, members of the national squad who were selected to prepare for the 2020 South American Challenger Series will resume training for Oceania Sevens,” PNGRU said.
“Their performance in the Satellite Sevens and NPC Sevens will determine whether they are retained in the national squad or replaced.
“The national coach and selectors will have the discretion to select overseas-based players and players from provincial club competitions.
“The players selected will be added to the national squad.
“Further details will be provided.”
Meanwhile, PNGRU has outlined its 2021 calendar which follows the tentative schedule from last year with the year to spread across the sevens and 15s seasons.
“Initially, the seven-a-side season runs from January to February and October through to December while the 15-a-side season runs from March to September.
“But due to Covid-19, coupled with the financial constraints of 2020 and the unavailability of sponsorship, the domestic and international tournaments planned for 2021 may be re-scheduled under a different format or deferred to 2022.”